New flight service to Oklahoma could expand to Youngstown-Warren airport

YOUNGSTOWN

In order to better serve the growing oil and gas operations in Northeast Ohio, daily flight service from Cleveland to Oklahoma City begins Thursday.

The inaugural flight will depart Cleveland Hopkins International Airport at 8:40 a.m. and touch down in Oklahoma City at 10:33 a.m.

Karen Carney, spokeswoman for the Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, said a one-way ticket costs about $200, which she said was subject to change depending on booking dates and price fluctuations.

Many of the companies with robust oil and gas operations across Northeast Ohio, such as Chesapeake Energy and Gulfport Energy are headquartered in Oklahoma City, where economic development is on the upswing and demand for the flight service reached a point when United Airlines determined the route would be profitable.

Pete Kenworthy, a Chesapeake spokesman, said the company was aware of the new service and will use it for convenience.

Dan Dickten, director of aviation at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport in Vienna, said his facility also is considering similar service with both Oklahoma City and points in Texas.

For the complete story, read Thursday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.